Philip Ross, general manager of Honda Finance Europe, has been elected chairman of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA).

He takes over the chairmanship from Chris Sutton, managing director of Black Horse Finance.

Ross said: "I am looking forward to continuing Chris Sutton's excellent work as chairman. I have been a strong supporter of the FLA for many years and chairman of its Motor Finance Division for the last two. I know the vital importance of the FLA's work on behalf of all its members.

“The major changes we currently face in the regulation of consumer and small business credit will affect all our markets - consumer, business and motor finance.

“The FLA gives us the strong voice we need with regulators, officials and Ministers to ensure that the new regulatory framework, and Government policy generally, supports the enormous contribution our members make to the UK's economy and society."